* I always thought Michael Keaton's directorial debut, The Merry Gentleman, was a film that was sorely overlooked even after its festival success. Keaton proved himself to be a real actor's director, not surprisingly, so it's been a shame that it's taken this long for him to take another stab at it. He'll next direct Buttercup, a dramedy about a woman who is forced to take responsibility for her father after repeated drunk driving violations. In so doing she learns to accept him and trust the other men in her life. Sounds like a friggin' riot. The script was written by Alice O'Neil, and the film has had a ton of talent previously attached to it. Jennifer Aniston and Alan Arkin were set to star at one point, along with Sarah Polley and Niki Caro circling the director's gig. We'll see if Keaton's the guy to finally bring Buttercup to light, and maybe he can even be convinced to star? [Variety]
* Ti West has had a busy year already, having already directed the excellent horror The Innkeepers, and having provided a segment for V/H/S, which is doing great On Demand right now. He's not finished, though, as a press release confirms he'll direct The Sacrament, which you've probably guessed is yet another horror. Eli Roth is producing, which is funny because West directed Cabin Fever 2, a sequel to Roth's breakthrough feature. Plot details on The Sacrament are being hidden for now, but the title would indicate there's something religious and freaky going on. Filming begins later this month in Georgia.
* Daniel Craig has reportedly upped his contract to remain as James Bond for two more movies after Skyfall. To me this indicates the studio's confidence in the film's and Craig's success, despite the lukewarm reaction to Quantum of Solace. If he does indeed stick around, that would be five movies for Craig, one more than Pierce Brosnan. It also means he'd be the iconic super spy for the celebratory 25th film in the James Bond franchise. [MI6]
